MCAT Sign Up

When Should I Take the MCAT?

Are you prepared?

• If you don’t feel ready, don’t take the MCAT.
  
• Your scores on the practice AAMC exam scores are pretty reflective of what you will get on the actual exam.
  

Will you get your scores before you submit your primary application?

• Even though you can technically submit your primary application without your MCAT scores, seeing your score will give you time to retake the MCAT if you need to.
  
• Most medical schools will accept your MCAT scores if they are 2-3 years old, but you may need to retake it if they are older.
  
• Most people I know take the MCAT during the summer before the year they apply (ex. Taking it August 2023 if you are applying May 2024), but I also know people who take it during their gap years or during the semester.
  
• It’s really up to you because you know how you study best, but make sure you have 3-4 months where you can really focus on dedicated MCAT studying before you take the exam.
  

How Do I Sign Up?

The MCAT is only offered on specific dates so make sure you go to the AAMC website and see when exams are being offered and what days sign ups for the exam start. I would sign up the day that sign ups open so you get the test center that you want. It usually involves logging into the AAMC website 10 minutes before the queue officially opens and then being given a random position in line (think getting Ticketmaster tickets for the Eras tour but much easier).

Okay now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about how to approach studying and planning!